Swallowing Disorders Center
At the UPMC Swallowing Disorders Center a team of physicians and speech-language pathologists focuses its expertise on diagnosing and treating the specific causes of swallowing disorders. Our clinical goals are to identify the cause of the swallowing problem and to restore swallowing function to a level as normal as possible in order to improve quality of life and nutrition. Our mission also includes clinical research and education for patients, families, and health care professionals.
About Us
The UPMC Swallowing Disorders Center includes a multidisciplinary team composed of ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists) and speech-language pathologists who specialize in evaluating and treating swallowing disorders. We work closely with other specialists such as dietitians, gastroenterologists, neurologists, radiologists, rehabilitation physicians, thoracic surgeons, and pulmonologists to provide conclusive services and tests as needed to help identify the cause of any swallowing disorder.
The UPMC Swallowing Disorders Center offers a variety of special services, including:
- diagnostic tests
- individualized treatment programs for swallowing difficulties brought on by neurologic diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and myasthenia gravis
- head and neck cancer rehabilitation program
- strengthening exercise programs
- biofeedback treatment program
- respiratory retraining
- educational resources for patients, family members, and health care professionals
Our Experts
Click on the experts' names to read more about their specialties and backgrounds.
- Ricardo Carrau, MD, FACS
- Danielle Columbe, MA, CCC
- James L. Coyle, MA, CCC, BRS-S
- Roxann Diez Gross, PhD
- Bridget C. Hathaway, MD
- Libby J. Smith, DO
- Tamara Wasserman, MS, CCC